We're Not Moochers of Government!

So, is this what Mitt Romney discusses in those quiet rooms? Or, is this a sales pitch to rich campaign donors?

During a May 17 fundraiser in Boca Raton, FL, at the  home of investment banker Marc Leder, Romney tells millionaire donors at a closed-door, $50,000-a-person fundraiser what he really thinks of Obama voters. 

Romney’s campaign began letting reporters into his fundraisers in early May, but members of the press aren’t allowed to watch unless he has “prepared remarks.”

Romney fundraisers normally include three parts: those who pay $2,500 are admitted to a reception that reporters are allowed to attend. Those who give more often, $25,000 are allowed to have their photo taken with Romney before the event. At most evening fundraisers, those who donate $50,000 are allowed to attend a dinner where Romney takes questions, often held at the home of a supporter separate from the reception. Reporters are not permitted to watch that portion of fundraisers.

Based on the description of the video posted by Mother Jones, that is where Romney appears to be speaking to guests at an evening fundraiser. Someone invited to the fundraiser provided the videos--perhaps Romney's comments were too shocking even for some Republicans donors.

What was said by Mitt Romney: 

“There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what. All right, there are 47 percent who are with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you-name-it. That’s an entitlement. And the government should give it to them. And they will vote for this president no matter what … These are people who pay no income tax. My job is not to worry about those people. I’ll never convince them. They should take personal responsibility and care for their lives.” 

Finally! The first time I have heard Romney being honest!

The reason this article and these clips are news worthy is because Willard Mitt Romney actually said something he believes. In a moment he thought he was safe, he decided to expound on what he really thinks. Fascinating to hear what Willard thinks when he is behind closed doors.

For a man who is running to be president of the entire country, there seems to be a large portion of the country he views with disdain. What I find interesting is not so much what he says, but the way he speaks in the videos. This is the real Mitt – crass, uncaring, borderline sociopathic, dollar driven with little compassion for anyone other than those who are just like him.

The condescending tone of the speech is, while not that shocking, at the same time it is alarming. This is the real Mitt Romney, like him or not. You can hear him speaking very candidly and very comfortable, unlike how he is on the stump or has been throughout the primaries. Truth is we spend more on corporate welfare than we do on social welfare. If it wasn't for corporate welfare, Bain wouldn't exist. 

For those shocked at the claims about the 47 percent uttered by Romney, this has been a battle cry for the right-wingers for several years. Romney falsely claimed that 47 percent of all Americans are complete freeloaders is just plain wrong.   

Poor families generally pay more in payroll taxes that go toward Medicare and Social Security than in income taxes. If you're a senior citizen, he was including you. Half of the 47 percent who don't pay federal income taxes are on social security and don't earn enough to hit the threshold for collecting taxes. Yes, these households owe no taxes because these households receive enough of a tax credit to wipe out their federal income tax liability.  

For all the people who complain about 47 percent of the people not paying federal income taxes, consider this, they are filing and paying according to the tax rules. They are paying everything they are legally obligated to pay, just like Mitt Romney. It is not their fault that the tax rules are the way they are. Fourty-seven percent has become shorthand for the notion that the wealthy face a much higher tax burden than they once did while growing numbers of Americans are effectively on the dole. 

Dr. Paul Krugman on Mitt Romney’s statement that 47 percent of Americans don’t pay taxes and only support President Obama because they want a government handout: “Many of the people in the no-income tax category are (a) elderly (b) students or (c) having a bad year, having lost a job – that is, they’re people who have paid income taxes in the past and/or will pay income taxes in the future.  The idea that half of Americans are just grafters is grotesque.”

Mitt Romney:  Another “No Apology” 

“I am sure I can state it more clearly and effectively than I did in a setting like that,” he told reporters assembled quickly at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts before attending a fundraiser. 

Romney said the video didn’t fully capture his views or his entire comments about personal responsibility and the role of government in society.

“I am talking about a political process of drawing people in my campaign. … My campaign is about helping people take more responsibility,” Romney said.  “This is ultimately a question about the direction of the country. Do you believe in a government-centered society that provides more and more benefits? Or do you believe instead in a free-enterprise society where people are able to pursue their dreams?”

I don’t have a prancing pony to deduct from my taxes. I don't care how much money he has, how many elevators he has for his cars, or what his tax returns says. He simply doesn't understand America enough to be President.

“It’s hard to serve as president for all Americans when you’ve disdainfully written off half the nation.” ~ Jim Messina

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